Today in Focus ‘This is what we’ve been afraid of’: British Jews after the Manchester attack
14 snips
Oct 8, 2025 Abigail Radnor, Guardian lifestyle editor from South Manchester, shares her personal grief and shock over the Heaton Park synagogue attack, detailing its impact on local families. Dave Rich, Director of Policy at the Community Security Trust, highlights the rising trend of antisemitism and the emotional toll of security measures within the Jewish community. They discuss anger towards authorities, the challenges of balancing protests on Gaza with community safety, and the urgent need for solutions that enable Jews to live without fear.
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Worrying About Children’s Nightmares
- Abigail recounted driving her children to their Jewish primary school with a heavy police presence and fearing what questions they'd ask.
- She worried her seven-year-old might learn someone was killed for being Jewish on a day she would have gone to synagogue.
Everyday Incidents Build Deep Fear
- Abigail pointed to a catalogue of anti-Semitic events that fuel fear, from grave desecration to campus abuse.
- She highlighted the casualness of anti-Jewish language among some teenagers as a worrying cultural shift.
Security Has Become Routine
- Abigail described routine security at Jewish events: bag searches, volunteer guards and revealed locations.
- She noted victims at Heaton Park were volunteering to protect their community, a standard but risky practice.
